Nestled within the Ozark Mountains, Calico Rock, Arkansas, is a region celebrated for its stunning natural beauty and unique geological formations. This area, part of the broader Ozark Plateau stretching across Missouri, Oklahoma, and Kansas, boasts a rugged topography that sets it apart. The Ozarks are renowned for their springs, lakes, and caves, but it’s the vibrant, colorful rocks of places like Calico Rock that truly capture the attention of geologists and nature enthusiasts alike.
The striking colors seen on the bluffs and rock faces around Calico Rock Are a result of fascinating chemical reactions between the elements and the rock itself. The upper layers of these bluffs are composed of St. Peter sandstone, locally known as glade rock. Beneath this lies the Everton Formation, a dolomite form of limestone, estimated to be around 200 feet thick. The distinctive red stains originate from iron deposits within the sandstone, while the black stains are due to manganese in the Everton Formation. Further below the Everton Formation are additional dolomite layers, known as Powell and Cotter, named after Cotter, Arkansas, highlighting the deep geological history embedded in the region. The high lime concentration in the local water supply, often a point of interest for residents managing home water systems, is another testament to this rich mineral composition.
Geological evidence suggests that the entire Calico Rock area was once submerged under a shallow inland sea. This theory is supported by the pronounced ripple marks visible on exposed rock surfaces throughout the region. These ripple effects serve as a tangible reminder of the area’s aquatic past, illustrating how water once shaped the very landscape we see today. Over time, the water receded, and the dramatic Ozark terrain began to emerge, sculpted by millennia of geological processes.
Beyond its rocks, the Ozarks, including the Calico Rock vicinity, are exceptionally rich in cultural history. This region holds a significant concentration of petroglyphs and pictographs, exceeding that of any other area in the United States. Several sites, many situated on private lands along the White and Red Rivers, are recognized on the National Registry of Historic Places. Archaeological findings in Izard County have unearthed artifacts dating back as far as 12,000 B.C. to 1,000 B.C., indicating that the creeks and byways around Calico Rock were ancient hubs for trade and hunting, adding layers of human history to this already geologically fascinating locale. Calico Rock, AR, therefore offers a unique blend of natural beauty, geological intrigue, and historical significance, making it a compelling destination for those seeking to explore the wonders of the Ozarks.
